Herein we report a new method of synthesis of Au nanoparticles (NPs) of multi-branched and spherical shapes. HAuCl4 when reduced by Fe2+ ions in aqueous solution, in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), produced multi-branched Au NPs including a shape
that could be termed as a "nanofan." On the other hand spherical particles were produced in the presence of Na2S and SDS or starch (instead of SDS). UV-vis, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopic (TEM) studies revealed the difference in optical properties and shapes
under various conditions. The essential conclusion of this report is that stabilizing agent and other reagents do have special role in controlling the shape of the NPs produced.

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